Lake Merwin in late Spring - a mellow L-2 paddle - T2552

When
June 08, 2025
8:30 AM
Location
Cresap Bay Boat Launch - Lake Merwin
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Full Name: Brenda C. Brewer
Narrative: Lake Merwin is about an hour and 15” drive from NE Portland, and lovely all year. We will put in and take out at the Cresap Bay Boat Launch (parking fee $4.00). There’s a nice bathroom there, with running water. The weather report so far calls for a hot dry day, and the water temp is in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. I’d still suggest a dry suit, but if you’d rather wear a wetsuit, that’s okay as well. Please consider your own cold tolerance carefully before choosing anything less than a dry suit.

Cresap Bay is a busy boat launch, with lots of boat traffic, esp on a pretty day. As we look at the ramp from the parking area, there’s a small area to the right of the boat ramp, and that’s where we will put in, being mindful and respectful of motor boats. Once we’re all in the water and out of the cordoned-off area, we will turn left, paddle under the 503 bridge, and up into a no-wake section of the lake. We will paddle up a couple miles, then go right and follow Canyon Creek up toward the small falls. They may be a bit lively this time of year and I don’t recall a take-out place at the falls themselves, so if the current gets too sporty, we can turn back before the falls. On the way back, we will stop for a bite to eat on the bank, and after our snack we can do some rescue practice if we feel so inclined (I almost always feel so inclined).

Total distance is about 6-7 miles. This will be a mellow level 2 paddle, with time to take pictures. If the afternoon winds kick in early, we will hug the shore. There are some underwater rocks in places, but I don’t know how deep they will be this time of year. Due to the driving distance and the busy park, carpooling is recommended. I will email folks a day or so ahead of time with any pertinent updates. See you there!

Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:15:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Cresap Bay Recreational Area, Yale, WA
Take out: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Cresap Bay Recreational Area, Yale, WA
Route Alternative for bad weather: Shorten the trip, hug the shoreline, cancel
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Brenda C Brewer
Co-Organizer(s): Paige Light
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Brenda C Brewer
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: low 60's - mid 80's
Estimated Water Temperature: Upper 50's - low 60's
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: N/A
Current information: 1 knot/hour or less
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: If the winds stay down, this will be very close to a level 1 trip. They generally kick up in the afternoon, which would be more of a level 2 trip. There are a few places to stop, but not too many
Location: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Cresap Bay Recreational Area, Yale, WA
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: N/A
Link to map of route (Optional)

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon